10.000 People March in Paris to Protest Against Neo-nazism

October 2, 1980

PARIS (Oct. 1)

Some 10,000 people marched through the center of Pans last night to protest the emergence of neo-Nazi organizations, the spread of racist theories and the lack of adequate police protection for Jewish institutions, schools and synagogues. The marchers, led by Alain de Rothschild, president of the Representative Council of Jewish Organizations in France (CRIF), gathered in front of the Memorial to the Unknown Jewish Martyr.

Exceptionally strict police measures were taken to protect the marchers. Policemen, many carrying machine-gun, were deployed at most intersections and army snipers were posted on adjacent rooftops. No incidents or violence marked the march. Representatives of all political parties were present. The French Presidential elections are only six months away.

The demonstration was called in the wake of attacks last weekend against five Jewish institutions in Paris, including two synagogues and two schools. Neo-Nazis claimed responsibility for the attacks.